KIMO Assembly of Delegates 2025
KIMO, the network of local governments working for clean and healthy seas, concluded a highly productive conference in Inverness last week, setting a clear direction for the next five years with the approval of its Strategy 2026-2030.
Held on the 8th and 9th of October and hosted by Highland Council, the event brought together delegates from coastal communities across the North Sea region to collaborate on pressing marine environmental issues.
The centrepiece of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) was the formal adoption of the new KIMO Strategy 2026-2030. The strategy provides a clear and focused path forward, built on four key priorities:
- Marine Litter: Continuing KIMO’s long-standing mission to combat plastic and other waste in our oceans and rivers.
- Chemical Pollution: Addressing the impact of hazardous substances such as PFAS on marine ecosystems and human health.
- Maritime Safety and Pollution: Enhancing measures to prevent pollution from shipping and maritime activities.
- Organisational Sustainability: Ensuring KIMO’s own long-term effectiveness and resilience.
“This new strategy is a testament to our shared commitment and provides a powerful framework for our work ahead,” said Lisa Bugge Nør Larsen, Executive Secretary of KIMO. “It ensures we remain at the forefront of the fight against marine pollution for the next five years.”
The full text of the new Strategy can be downloaded below.
Strengthening the Fight Against Lost Shipping Containers
In a significant move, the Assembly of Delegates adopted an updated resolution on lost shipping containers. The issue was originally brought to the fore at the 2024 AGM by Honorary Member Albert de Hoop, who highlighted a critical legal gap: international regulations do not obligate national governments to clean up the litter from containers lost overboard, nor do they require the shipping industry to cover the costs.
This litter, often plastic, ends up polluting the seafloor and washing ashore on coastlines for years, posing a persistent problem for KIMO’s member municipalities and coastal communities worldwide.
The newly adopted resolution calls for stronger international measures to ensure accountability and proper clean-up. “The resolution strengthens our mandate to lobby for change and protect our coastal communities from this preventable form of pollution,” said newly elected KIMO President, Preben Friis-Hauge.
The full text of the resolution can be downloaded below.
Honouring Dedicated Service
The Assembly also paid tribute to three individuals for their exceptional contributions, awarding them with Honorary Membership. The honour was conferred upon former KIMO presidents Karsten Filsø and Robert te Beest for their long and dedicated service. The late Martin Hall was also posthumously awarded Honorary Membership in recognition of his profound impact on the organisation.
Celebrating Coastal Beauty and a Green Future
A highlight of the social programme was a KIMO photo competition, celebrating the beauty and fragility of the marine environment. The winning entry was awarded to Jerry Ahlström for a stunning photograph taken in Shetland, which will be featured in KIMO’s future communications.
Delegates were also treated to a site visit to the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility. This pioneering project is set to become Scotland’s largest facility on the North Sea coast for deploying and servicing offshore wind installations, showcasing the region’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. The trip was complemented by a scenic wildlife cruise along the picturesque Moray Firth, where attendees spotted playful dolphins and a diverse array of seabirds.
KIMO extends its sincere gratitude to Highland Council for their exemplary hospitality and for successfully hosting the 2025 conference.